Gilbert v. National Enquirer, Inc.
Opinion
Opinion
Ortega, J.
In this appeal involving a defamation and invasion of privacy lawsuit brought by a well-known actress against her ex-husband and the National Enquirer, Inc., we reverse the preliminary injunction restraining the ex-husband from disclosing his allegedly defamatory statements regarding the plaintiff’s sexual relationships and substance abuse. We affirm the order denying the plaintiff’s motion to seal the record in this lawsuit.
Background
Plaintiff Melissa Gilbert is a well-known actress. From ages nine through nineteen, she starred as Laura Ingalls in the long-running television series, Little House on the Prairie. As an adult, she has performed in numerous television movies and series (such as Sweet Justice and Cries from the Heart), stage productions, and a motion picture.
Defendant Chester Harry Brinkman III, an actor and screenwriter, was once married to Gilbert. They have one son, Dakota Brinkman, who was bom in 1989. The marriage ended in divorce, with Brinkman and Gilbert sharing joint custody of Dakota.
Defendant National Enquirer, Inc. (the Enquirer) published an interview with Brinkman in its July 4, 1995, National Enquirer, which is the basis of Gilbert’s…